If confronted by a robber, don’t be a hero, police say

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police investigated nearly 1,600 robberies last year. Most ended the same way: The victim relinquished property and reported the incident to authorities.

That tracks with police advice on what to do if you’re being robbed. After all, they note, it’s better to lose your money than your life.

Twice last month, would-be victims turned the tables – and in one case the gun – on people trying to rob them.

On July 18, two people walking up a stairwell at their Charlotte apartment were confronted by a man with a gun who demanded money, then started pistol-whipping them, police said. The victims fought back, and ultimately got control of the gun. The suspects held him at gunpoint until officers arrived and arrested him. Police identified the suspect as Tarion Henley, who was taken to the hospital and checked out. He’s awaiting trial.

Three days later, Nick Anderson, who had planned to propose to his girlfriend at a Salsarita’s restaurant in Hickory, instead came across a person trying to rob the restaurant.

“Anderson stepped in and put a stranglehold on the attacker,” according to WBTV, the Observer’s news partner. Graham Kiziah was charged with common law robbery and two counts of common law robbery from the two times he had been accused of robbing the restaurant in the past.

These kinds of cases always spark questions about what the rest of us would do in similar situations.

But police say the answer is straightforward: Robbery victims shouldn’t fight back. They have a nine-point check list of things to do if you’re the victim of a robbery. They recommend doing exactly as you are told. One statement, bolded and all caps for emphasis: DO NOT RESIST!

Here’s the rest of the list:

▪ Try to stay calm. Don’t make any sudden movements to upset the robber.

▪ Tell the robber about anything that might surprise him, such as someone who is expected to arrive soon.

▪ If you have to move or reach, tell the robber what you are going to do and why.

▪ Try to get a good look at the robber so you can describe him later.

▪ Don’t be a hero. It’s better to lose your money than your life.

▪ Give the robber time to leave.

▪ Note his direction of travel when he leaves.

▪ Try to get a description of his vehicle ONLY if you can do so without exposing yourself to harm.

This story was originally published August 12, 2015 at 7:32 PM with the headline "If confronted by a robber, don’t be a hero, police say."